RECYCLING CONSULTATIONS INITIATED

Consultations are set to begin on the possibility of establishing two new province-wide recycling programs; one to recycle old electronic equipment and the other to handle unwanted paint.

"It is important that we all work together to keep hazardous material out of our landfills and out of the environment," Environment Minister David Forbes said. "We want to know what people in the industry as well as consumers have to say about these potential new programs."

Saskatchewan residents throw out more than 1100 tonnes of old electronic equipment each year including computers and televisions. This equipment contains many valuable recoverable materials such as aluminium, gold and silver as well as significant amounts of toxic or hazardous material including mercury, lead, and cadmium that cause health and environmental problems if they are not disposed of properly. Unwanted and waste paint stored in the home or garage is a potential hazard, and sometimes ends up in municipal landfills or sewer systems.

Saskatchewan Environment is proposing a system for both projects based on the industry led stewardship models similar to the province's Scrap Tire Management Program and the Used Oil Recycling Program. Regulations would require industry related to the designated electronic equipment and paint to manage and operate recycling programs on a non-profit basis.

"These kinds of programs are important tools as this province continues to build a green and prosperous economy," Forbes said.

Stakeholder groups are being mailed fact sheets and are invited to provide comments. Members of the public can access that same information on the Saskatchewan Environment website at www.se.gov.sk.ca or by calling:
1-800-567-4224 toll free in Saskatchewan, or 787-0016 in Regina.

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For More Information, Contact:

Victor Chang Environment Regina Phone: (306)787-6185 Email: vchang@serm.gov.sk.ca